We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Angela Enwezor. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Angela below.
Angela , we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
As a self-taught fashion designer and second-generation entrepreneur, my resilience comes from a combination of personal drive, passion for my craft, and the lessons I’ve learned from my entrepreneurial mom background. Here are a few factors that contribute to my resilience:
1. Passion for fashion: I have a deep love and passion for fashion, which fuels my determination to overcome challenges and setbacks. This passion keeps me motivated and allows me to stay focused on my goals, even during difficult times.
2. Self-motivation: Being self-taught requires a high level of self-motivation. I constantly push myself to learn and improve my skills, which helps me stay resilient in the face of obstacles. I set ambitious goals for myself and work tirelessly to achieve them.
3. Learning from failures: As an entrepreneur, I understand that failure is a part of the journey. I view failures as valuable learning experiences rather than setbacks. Each failure teaches me important lessons, helping me grow stronger and more resilient. I use these lessons to adapt my strategies and improve my designs.
4. Family background: Coming from a family where my mom was the first entrepreneur, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges and rewards of running a business. My mom’s experiences have instilled in me a strong work ethic and a never-give-up attitude. I draw inspiration from her stories of resilience and success, which motivates me to keep pushing forward.
5. Support system: Surrounding myself with a supportive network of friends, mentors, and fellow designers is crucial for maintaining resilience. Having people who believe in my abilities and provide guidance and encouragement helps me stay motivated and bounce back from setbacks.
Overall, my resilience as a self-taught fashion designer and second-generation entrepreneur stems from my passion, self-motivation, ability to learn from failures, family background, and a strong support system. These factors combine to keep me determined, focused, and resilient in pursuing my dreams and overcoming challenges in the fashion industry.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I started a not for profit this year – Priscas Art Empowerment program as a token of my gratitude. This program aims to empower young girls between the ages of 5 and 18 by providing them with free sewing classes Reflecting on my journey as a self-taught fashion designer, I am immensely proud of the growth I have achieved. From a mere side hustle during my college days, I have been able to turn my passion into a full-time career. This realization has inspired me to believe that these young ladies, who possess equal talent yet remain undiscovered, can achieve great things with the right guidance. It only takes a spark to ignite a fire, and a small action can lead to remarkable outcomes.
And the proceeds from the RETURN of Prisca’S Art annual Sidewalk fashion show coming up next month October 15th, 2023 at 2201 Channing St NE Washington DC will be donated to this cause.
The Sidewalk fashion show was an idea that became a reality in 2018 when i was pregnant with my baby girl (who will also be walking on the runway this year) , and then 2019 before the pandemic happened. Over the years I’ve featured in other fashion shows and learned a lot more to pour into the return of Prisca’S Art Sidewalk fashion show..
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
As a self-trained fashion designer, my expertise lies in three crucial areas: proficiency in tailoring and designing for diverse body sizes, meticulous attention to pattern precision and intricate details, and a keen focus on achieving impeccable finishing touches.
For individuals who are at the early stages of their fashion design journey and wish to develop or enhance their skills in cutting and designing for different sizes, pattern precision, attention to details, and finishing, I have the following advice:
1. Education and Research
2. Practice and Experimentation
3. Seek Feedback and Mentorship
4. Attention to Detail
5. Stay Updated and Inspired
Remember, becoming a skilled fashion designer takes time, dedication, and perseverance. Embrace the learning process, stay open to feedback, and never stop honing your craft. With consistent effort and a passion for fashion, you can continue to develop and improve your abilities in these essential areas.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
Retail exposure
Contact Info:
- Website: www.priscas-art.com
- Instagram: @priscasart_
- Facebook: Prisca’S Art, Prisca Store
- Twitter: @priscasart_
Image Credits
Bagladies photography Pregnant lady- Kfinchphotography
